Kenneth Cobonpue is amongst the world’s top furniture designers. We love his work and the unique way in which he combines local sourced materials with unique handmade production techniques. We’ve found him at Maison&Objet, Paris, and talked a bit about his work and ongoing projects.

Born in the Philippinnes, Kenneth graduated in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute in New York and started his career in Italy and Germany. He has since gained a good reputation on the international press and became one of the world’s top designers with major projects worldwide and a star filled clientele.

Kenneth Cobonpuestarted his career 15 years ago by innovating his family business. “We had a factory in the Philipinnes, which belonged to my mother” says Kenneth. The designer found on the craftsmen weaving expertise the quality and richeness he needed to create exceptional furniture! “I slowly changed things with my own design, very modern, very different, always using craft and technology”. The result is a unique organic design, entirely handmade with natural materials.

Since then the designer’s work resulted in two distinct brands: one dedicated to furniture under Kenneth Cobonpue‘s own signature, and a lighting and accessories brand called Hive.

The United States and Asia are Kenneth Cobonpue’s biggest markets. “Asia is a very big market right now. It really depends on the economy. Australia also. The kind of furniture that we make is more suited to the Mediterranean countries which are now having trouble with the economy, which is a real pity for us. So we are waiting for the day when it is going to be good again!”

Limited Edition Design is part of Kenneth Cobonpue‘s world. For the designer “limited editions show a different dimension of what you are capable of, what the brand is all about without having to worry about commercialization.” Here are some of his limited edition design creations.

Eclipse, modern day rickshaw

‘First Light,’ a three-piece set of metal lamps created by Kenneth Cobonpue for the benefit of the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda.

Kenneth was awarded Designer of the Year at Maison&Objet Asia earlier this year for embodying the excellence of southeast asian design and creativity. The most recent distinction on his vast resumé.